The Philippines Protects One of the Planet’s Most Biodiverse Marine Regions

Located in Southern Leyte within the Coral Triangle, Panoan Island has been globally recognized by the 50 Reefs Study, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, as part of a global portfolio of reefs most likely to survive the impacts of climate change. The Philippines’ coral reefs have been steadily declining over the last 40 years. But in 2020, an Oceana-led expedition found Panaon Island was a unique exception with coral cover reaching three times the national average.

Over the course of the 21-day expedition, Oceana documented a wealth of marine life including whale sharks, sea turtles, and endangered Philippine ducks. The surrounding mangroves and seagrasses, which support food security, protect against storm surges, and store climate-saving blue carbon, were also in good condition. But alongside the signs of abundance, the team found troubling evidence of overfishing, destructive fishing, and plastic pollution.

“Panaon is situated in an area known as a vital corridor for marine mammals. Its waters are teeming with life and provide important breeding and nursery grounds for fish, allowing marine life and people to thrive,” said Nikka Oquias, Oceana’s Marine Protected Area Campaign Lead. “With Panaon Island’s designation as a national protected area, communities and resource managers now have the needed legal framework and resources to strengthen the management and protection of this area. The law also contains a site-specific provision that requires the enactment of guidelines to regulate vessel speed and protect the large marine mammals frequently transiting the area.”

The protected seascape integrates marine conservation with sustainable human activities that balance socio-economic development with conservation efforts. Oceana was key in consulting the local communities and worked alongside them to present these scientific findings to the Philippine government. The new law requires the development of a comprehensive management plan, created in partnership with local stakeholders, scientists, and government agencies to ensure that conservation efforts yield tangible benefits for both people and nature.

“Protecting the seas around Panaon Island helps us fishers greatly because, finally, there will be regular monitoring of our waters. This will likely increase our fish catch and boost our income since destructive fishing practices — especially from outsiders — will be controlled,” shared Valdemar Mercado Jr., a fisher and village leader in Benit, San Ricardo town.

The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, yet only about 8% of them are currently protected, and far less are effectively protected. “The Philippines’ protection of Panaon Island’s waters and reefs offers a powerful example for how governments can turn commitments into real action,” said Antha Williams, who leads the Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “By safeguarding one of the world’s most climate-resilient reef ecosystems, the country is supporting coastal livelihoods and making vital progress toward its 30×30 target. We’re proud to support efforts like the 50 Reefs Initiative, which make this progress possible and help shine light on unique habitats in need of preservation.”

“We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure that the Panaon Island Protected Seascape is properly protected for generations to come. Empowering communities to manage their seas sustainably should be part of the nation’s blueprint against poverty and hunger,” added Hernandez.